Tokyo is a city with a rich international flavor. Shinjuku, in particular, is one of the most diverse areas. When it comes to food, Shinjuku is packed with so many restaurants that it's difficult to narrow down to just one recommendation. So, this time, we spoke with food-loving Sakiko Hirano (hereafter, Hirano), along with DJ Misoshiru and MC Gohan (hereafter, Omiso-chan), about Shinjuku's food scene at Shanghai Xiaochi, one of Kabukicho's most popular spots.

■Fried bread is a star food in China!

-- Today's restaurant, Shanghai Xiaochi, is apparently a place that Hirano is interested in. Do you visit often?

Hirano: Actually, this is my second time. I've been there once before, but so many things about it were so mysterious that I wanted to go back and find out the truth about that restaurant! (laughs)

Omiso-chan: Today was my first time here, but I've always wanted to come, so I'm happy that my dream has come true. I've always wanted to go in, but the atmosphere of the store made me feel intimidated when I got to the entrance... So, this just reaffirmed to me that Sakiko's curiosity is truly remarkable.

--Why did you choose shredded tofu, sweet and spicy stir-fried clams with fried bread, and Sichuan spicy chicken today?

Hirano-san: I had the shredded tofu before and it was delicious. With the sweet and spicy stir-fried clams, I wanted to try the fried bread! So, the staff recommended it to me. The fried bread looks cute and has star quality, doesn't it?

Omiso-chan: It's also innovative to dip these crispy, fluffy fried breads in the clam broth! What's more, this flavor somehow feels like something I've been searching for somewhere but never found. I've finally found it. It's really delicious.

■I unconsciously check out the manga on display in the store!

--Do you two have any other favorite places in Shinjuku?

Hirano: I often go to "Curry Kusamakura." It's a smooth curry made with slowly simmered onions, and it pairs perfectly with hard-cooked rice. The first time I had it, I found myself wanting another bowl halfway through. The curry manga on display in the store are also exquisite, and I love them. Also, on the first floor of the building that houses "Curry Kusamakura" is a hardcore bookstore called "Mosasakusha," which is really interesting. It's full of books you wouldn't normally find, and for some reason, if you buy a book at Mosasakusha, you get 50 yen off your curry. It's a mysterious partnership, isn't it? (laughs)

■When the staff member is a perfect match for the atmosphere of the shop, it really gets me excited!

Omiso-chan: I like old coffee shops. There's a coffee shop called "Peace" in Odakyu Hulk at Shinjuku West Exit, and the staff there are amazing in a good way. To put it in a metaphor, they have the feel of "young men from the past who have aged while still maintaining their style." The female staff member also exudes a sense of their former coolness. Because of this, when I step inside the shop, I feel like I've traveled back in time. I also like "Coffee Shop Top," also located at Shinjuku West Exit, because it has a lot of character.

Hirano-san: I can really understand why the staff member at Peace is amazing (laughs). Shinjuku has a lot of great coffee shops. I like "Coffee House Ban" in Isetan Kaikan. This shop has a really safe atmosphere. Whenever I come here, I always order iced milk with pizza toast or a Mexican hot dog. It's a bit more expensive than buying milk at home, but it tastes so good when you drink it at a cafe.

Omiso-chan: A sense of security is nice. I'm also looking for a place in Shinjuku where I can relax. Right now, I'm eyeing "Tachinuki Yakiniku Jiromaru." I haven't been there yet, but if I do, I'd love to experience the thrill of "midnight solo yakiniku" after watching a late-night show by myself. Shinjuku is a busy town, so I feel like I'm looking for a place where I can be alone.

■ Takano Fruit Parlor's all-you-can-eat buffet means you can eat your fill without feeling guilty!

--For dessert, this is the place to go! Is there a place like that?

Omiso-chan: For me, it's Takano Fruit Parlor in Shinjuku. It's a place that holds many memories for me, as I used to supply parfait glasses when I was working as an office lady at a tableware store. If I go to Takano Fruit Parlor, I always order the all-you-can-eat option. That's because it's the place that made me dream of an all-you-can-eat experience. Usually, all-you-can-eat restaurants make you overeat and fall from heaven to hell, right? But at Takano Fruit Parlor, even if I eat a lot, I still feel like, "I ate so much delicious food!" Hirano: My favorite place is the Sembikiya in Isetan. When I'm walking around town and no longer have the energy to hunt, I go to Sembikiya and buy a chocolate banana omelette. It's my favorite flavor, soothing in just one bite. By the time I'm waiting for the train on the platform at Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, I'll take it out of the bag and bite into it. Hirano and Omiso-chan are collaborating to host an event called "Hirano Sakiko's (Inedible) Food Heaven," which will be held from September 29th to October 13th at the TOKYO Kaihoku (Liberation Zone) on the second floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku. A new song written by DJ Misoshiru and MC Gohan for the event, "THIS IS ISETAN UNDERGROUND," will be released on September 30th. The music video was filmed at Isetan late at night, so be sure to check it out.